The chief eunuch, having received the order, flashed a trace of astonishment in his eyes. It was the first time in more than ten years that the Empress had been summoned to attend the Emperor in bed!
Yet his reply was not the slightest bit slow. He immediately bent lower at the waist and answered softly, "Yes, this servant will have people make the preparations at once!"
Prepare what?
Naturally, they were to prepare the Emperor and Empress for washing up, as well as arrange for someone to record the matter of their retiring for the night.
By the rules of the inner palace, not only concubines but even the Empress had to have every night she attended the Emperor clearly and meticulously recorded. Even if the Emperor acted on a whim and favored a palace maid, it would be recorded by designated personnel. Otherwise, if someone in the harem became pregnant, how could anyone tell whether she carried a dragon child?
Once the records were checked, calculating according to the dates of pregnancy could spare them most of the trouble.
After all, if the dates were less than a month apart, it was impossible for her to have bled and still be pregnant.
After the Emperor gave the order, the Empress grew quite quiet, fitting the image he had of her—shy and timid.
After washing up, they retired for the night.
The candlelight swayed faintly, the bed curtains fluttered softly, and upon the dragon bed, restored once more to stillness, the Emperor's and Empress's hair entwined.
Shyness and reproach lingered at the corners of the Empress's eyes, but when she looked away toward the inner wall, the cheeks that had just been lightly flushed returned to calm.
The Emperor lying at her side, however, smelled her familiar yet unfamiliar